Credit

Caption

Mouldy figs. Moulds (grey) growing on several figs, one halved. Moulds are the fuzzy cobweb- like growths produced on organic matter by several different types of fungi. They begin as microscopic airborne spores which germinate on the surface of the fruit. The moulds then rapidly spread to form networks (mycelia) of fine filaments (hyphae). The moulds penetrate downwards into the fruit, digesting and absorbing nutrients.